Zack Wheeler of the Mets smiles after being doused with a beer shower after Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. (June 18, 2013) Photo Credit: Getty Images

ATLANTA -- Manager Terry Collins said that top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler "understood the whole situation" surrounding his demotion to the minor leagues -- a strictly procedural move that is only temporary.

"He's going to be back," Collins said Wednesday. "He's going to pitch when his turn comes up."

Wheeler will be recalled in time to pitch on Tuesday against the White Sox in Chicago. But until then, he will be with Triple-A Las Vegas, where he is expected to throw at least one bullpen session for pitching coach Randy St. Claire.

The 23-year-old righthander tossed six scoreless innings on Tuesday night to win his big- league debut in the nightcap of the Mets' doubleheader against the Braves. But by rule, the Mets can recall Wheeler without waiting the typical 10 days, all because he was called up as the 26th man for a doubleheader.

Because Wheeler pitched on Tuesday, he would have been unavailable to the Mets, who gave his roster spot to a player who can contribute in the meantime.